I am a Great Expectations Finalist in the Young Adult Category. Go me! I entered for the judge's feedback and to see if my manuscript really doesn't sux rocks like I was beginning to believe.
Which just goes to show you that a lot of rejections can drag down anyone's confidence. This brought it back up a notch or two. Now for the next round of judging. The YA entries go to editor Elizabeth Bistrow of NAL (a penguin imprint) for final judging so I already feel like I've won since that's the best prize anyway.
Great Expectations is the yearly writing contest for The North Texas chapter of Romance Writers of America.
See the entire list of finalists here. Congrats everyone.
Pinewood Derby time
It only took us a decade and 4 cub scouts, but we finally managed to build a car that didn't come in dead last. Last year, our banana car actually popped its wheels mid-race. I swear we are the most pathetic racing family effeh...
But this year, our final year I might add, since our youngest has reached the age to move into Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts, we got it right. I believe the secret formula was this: Mom doesn't get to touch it. Yeah, 'nough said. T's car actually won most of its heats and just barely was scraped out of the winner's circle.
But this year, our final year I might add, since our youngest has reached the age to move into Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts, we got it right. I believe the secret formula was this: Mom doesn't get to touch it. Yeah, 'nough said. T's car actually won most of its heats and just barely was scraped out of the winner's circle.
We are all so proud!
More than Just Pizza
A Wish with Wings granted my Chase's wish about 6 months prior to his death. Here's another wish granted. They are a fantastic organization.
More than Just Pizza
In this case Domino's delivered More than Just Pizza ... thanks
to kind-hearted Pete Ybarra, a Dallas-area Domino's franchisee who
heard 18-year-old Byron's story and wanted to help grant his Magical
Wish!
The
initial call came from Children's Medical Center of Dallas, requesting
that we consider granting an "emergency wish" for 18-year-old Byron,
whose Osteosarcoma had spread to seven tumors in his brain. Sadly, Byron
hadn't long to live. Byron's Wish was simple: an Xbox 360 to play games
with his friends while on home hospice.
When
we met with Byron at his East Dallas home, we realized that for the
Xbox to work properly, he would also need a more current TV. Byron also
hinted that he might enjoy a mini-fridge for his bedroom, so that he
could keep his snacks and drinks close by. That's when Byron also
mentioned that he loved Domino's Pineapple Pizza!
So,
doing what we do best, we quickly set to work to grant Byron's Wish. A
call to Ed Kellum & Son in Dallas resulted in a 51" flat screen TV,
with stand and blue-ray DVD player. Our call to the closest Domino's
Pizza put us in touch with Pete, who, sensing our urgency, readily
agreed to provide pizza for Byron his friends and family. Not just for
delivery day ... but whenever Byron, his friends and family wanted ... all they had to do was call and the pizza would be on its way. Free of charge!
Pete
didn't stop there. He met us at Byron's home on delivery day and stayed
for the entire afternoon. He also brought along an upgrade for the
Xbox, as well as a few more games, and pizza for everyone to enjoy!
The
mini-fridge we purchased for Byron's room was quickly installed and
stocked with all his favorite snacks and drinks. What didn't fit in his
fridge was loaded into the family refrigerator!
Soon
after, Ed Kellum & Son's delivery truck arrived and began to
unload the TV, stand and DVD player. Everyone pitched in assembling,
installing and making sure that everything was hooked up and functioning
so that Byron did not have to waste a minute before joining his friends
for some Xbox fun!
Byron made
several new friends that day. And each of us feels blessed to have been
part of making his Wish come true! Byron was all smiles that day and
the following days, his family reported.
However,
as too frequently happens, Byron's courageous battle with the
unforgiving cancer ended peacefully a mere five days after his Wish was
granted. We will cherish the memories of his sweet smile, his gentle
spirt, and his loving hugs.
Rest in peace, Byron.
May the wings of the butterflies
carry you swiftly to Heaven.
If you would like to help grant a Magical Wish for a special child facing an uncertain future, please visit our website at www.awishwithwings.org.
Romancing the Genres: New Year - New Adult
Romancing the Genres: New Year - New Adult
B.A. Binns discusses the new book category between YA and Adult called New Adult. It's interesting.
B.A. Binns discusses the new book category between YA and Adult called New Adult. It's interesting.
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